A Moment In Time with Mick Jagger & Stephen Stills

[drumbob]

Back in the late seventies, myself, along with friend Ken Margolis (who now plays keys in Cracker), followed the band Mink DeVille, and frequently went to their shows in Manhattan. Ironically, Ken joined Mink DeVille shortly after this incident took place.

We went to see them at a now-defunct club called Trax, a very nice venue that disappeared years ago. We walked in and standing before us was a smallish guy laughing and joking with a couple of friends. I took a good look at him and said, "Ken, that's Mick Jagger!"

"Holy sh*t, you're right!"

You have to understand that there's a certain way to treat celebrities in New York. You don't want to appear gauche or uncool by slobbering all over them in fan worship. You simply smile, or casually say hello. In our case, we decided to be ultra cool and leave Mick alone.

Right then, in walked Stephen Stills, looking like a homeless person, dressed in an old army surplus overcoat and ratty clothes. He walked right up to Jagger with his entourage in tow, and firmly kissed Mick on the mouth.

Ok, whatever.

Aftr Mink DeVille's set, Ken and I made our way backstage. I have rarely had a problem with backstage access throughout my career as a journalist.

Backstage, joints were flying around the room and everyone was partaking. There were mass quantities of liquor as well. I was standing there holding a particularly potent doobie, when I felt a body me leaning squarely on my back. Hoping it was a beautiful woman, I turned my head to discover none other than Michael Philip Jagger himself.

"Oh, hello Mick," I said casually.

(Inside I was saying to myself, "Oh my God!! Mick Jagger!! Am I dreaming or what?!?")

"Do you want this?"

"Yeah, yeah!"

I handed it over. Jagger took a lung-busting toke and walked away.

Once again, Steve Stills walked in with his sycophants. He refused all illegal substances offered. You could have knocked me over; Stills was well known for his partying back then. Maybe he was on the wagon.

Ken was over in a corner chatting up Willy DeVille. I believe he may have been laying the groundwork for his entrance into the band.

We hung out a little longer and split, walking quickly into the chilly Manhattan night and back to my car. We'll never forget our chance meeting with rock royalty.

(Author's Note: Recreational drug use was extremely common among musicians and fans in the late 1970s. I'm quite pleased to say I no longer use illegal substances of any kind and do not condone the usage of them.)